Parents are quickly becoming aware that Internet Safety is an important issue to deal with. However, many don't know what the first step is, or what type of software products are even available. Sometimes the range of choices can be overwhelming. However, it is our #1 priority at Software4Parents.com to help you choose a great product to keep your children safe online!

There are two main types of Internet Safety software:

MONITORING SOFTWARE - This is software that lets parents see everything their kids are doing online. It can be installed either totally invisible or in a mode that warns children that they are being watched. Monitoring software can record every single email, instant message, chat session, website, and even children's passwords.

FILTERING SOFTWARE - This is software that blocks kids from inappropriate websites such as pornography, hate, violence, or generally any other topic a parent does not want their child to see. It is usually quite customizable (parent can add words/phrases that interest them) and also has some supplemental features: the ability to limit the amount of time kids spend online, privacy filters that can prevent a child from revealing their name, address, phone, or any other personal detail, etc.

Once you decide if you are more interested in MONITORING or FILTERING, the next step is which specific product is best for your needs.

MONITORING PRODUCTS

Our #1 recommendation for monitoring software is Specter PRO. It recently won PC Magazine Editor's Choice for "Activity Monitoring" and is by far the easiest, most reliable, and best supported package we sell. It is also our #1 seller. It captures ALL instant messages, ALL email (including Hotmail and Yahoo mail) all websites, keystrokes, and more. However, to view what has been recorded with Specter PRO, a parent must sit down at the computer to access it.

For parents who may work late or travel a lot, a REMOTE MONITORING solution may be best. e-Blaster is similar in features to Specter PRO, but will EMAIL you the recorded information remotely. That way, if your child comes home from school and you are still working, you can set it to email you exactly what they are doing while you are at work. e-Blaster is also a very reliable product and includes live phone support, just like Specter PRO.

Last is our best value monitoring package: IamBigBrother. It includes most of the same features as Specter PRO, but only has email based tech support available. This product is best for people who are somewhat computer familiar, and are comfortable downloading and installing software with limited tech support.

FILTERING PRODUCTS

Our #1 recommendation for filtering is Cyber Sentinel. It is based on words and phrases that are totally customizable, but also the context in which these are used. The software is very easy to use and flexible, and includes live phone support. Features include: web/email/chat blocking, time limitations, privacy filters and more. One limitation is that you can only set up a "master" profile - not separate references for different children.

For parents with children of different ages, Net Nanny may be a good choice. It is similar in features to Cyber Sentinel, but you can set up specific preferences for each child who uses the Internet in your home. That way, you can be more flexible with a 16 year old, but more restrictive with a 11 year old. New to Net Nanny version 5 is pop-up blocking, a feature many parents will surely appreciate.

Overall, choosing a safety product can seem like a tough task, but with the right experts and advice, it does not have to be. Please feel free to email us with questions specific to YOUR family! You can find more information and pricing on any of the above Products at Did you know

·1 out of 5 kids has been sexually solicited online
·1 out of 4 kids has been sent a picture of naked people or people having sex online
·that May 21, 2002 there was the first death of a child linked directly to an Internet Predator?

Parents' biggest concern about the Internet used to be pornography, but there is definitely a greater fear today.

You have probably taught your child not to talk to strangers, and in many situations, they would remember this. But the Internet is different.

Due to the Internet's anonymity, strangers are talking to children all the time. They try to gain the child's trust by having friendly conversation at first, but over time, their true objective of sexually soliciting the child becomes evident. Children and parents alike are unaware of this, yet this is exactly what is going on via the Internet.

What can today's parent do? Armed with information, there's quite a bit a parent can do.

Software4Parents.com's Top 5 Internet Safety Tips

1. Tell your child to NEVER EVER reveal their name, address, phone number or any other personal information to ANYONE online. Once you give out this information, it is impossible to retract.

2. Communicate regularly (not just once) with your child about WHAT they do online and WHO they talk to online. If you have actually met the friends they are talking to in person, you'll know it is OK for them to chat with them online.

3. Take computers out of kids' rooms and put them into public areas such as the family room. Many parents think they are helping with homework by giving the kids a computer, but it also opens certain dangers that you may be unaware of.

4. Choose your child's screen name, email address or instant message name wisely - don't' reveal ages, sex, hobbies, and CERTAINLY NOT suggestive or sexy names. Predators are more likely to pursue a child with the screen name "foxyteen5" than "happygirl5"

5. Use technology to help you protect your child. Monitoring software gives you the ability to review your child's Internet usage. Even if you don't look at each and every email or instant message they send, you'll have a good idea if they are making smart choices online.

The Internet can open many doors and provide useful information for children. An aware and informed parent can help keep children safe.

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Credits: Joshua Finer